Showing papers in "IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics in 1999"

A boost DC-AC converter: analysis, design, and experimentation

Abstract: This paper proposes a new voltage source inverter (VSI) referred to as a boost inverter or boost DC-AC converter. The main attribute of the new inverter topology is the fact that it generates an AC output voltage larger than the DC input one, depending on the instantaneous duty cycle. This property is not found in the classical VSI, which produces an AC output instantaneous voltage always lower than the DC input one. For the purpose of optimizing the boost inverter dynamics, while ensuring correct operation in any working condition, a sliding mode controller is proposed. The main advantage of the sliding mode control over the classical control schemes is its robustness for plant parameter variations, which leads to invariant dynamics and steady-state response in the ideal case. Operation, analysis, control strategy, and experimental results are included in this paper. The new inverter is intended to be used in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and AC driver systems design whenever an AC voltage larger than the DC link voltage is needed, with no need of a second power conversion stage.

Simple analytical and graphical methods for carrier-based PWM-VSI drives

Abstract: This paper provides analytical and graphical methods for the study, performance evaluation and design of the modern carrier-based pulse width modulators (PWMs), which are widely employed in PWM voltage-source inverter (VSI) drives. Simple techniques for generating the modulation waves of the high-performance PWM methods are described. The two most important modulator characteristics-the current ripple and the switching losses-are analytically modeled. The graphical illustration of these often complex multivariable functions accelerate the learning process and help one understand the microscopic (per-carrier cycle) and macroscopic (per fundamental cycle) behavior of all the modern PWM methods. The analytical formulae and graphics are valuable educational tools. They also aid the design and implementation of the high-performance PWM methods.

On-line dead-time compensation technique for open-loop PWM-VSI drives

Abstract: A new on-line dead-time compensation technique for low-cost open-loop pulsewidth modulation voltage-source inverter (PWM-VSI) drives is presented. Because of the growing numbers of open-loop drives operating in the low-speed region, the synthesis of accurate output voltages has become an important issue where low-cost implementation plays an important role. The so-called average dead-time compensation techniques rely on two basic parameters to compensate for this effect: the magnitude of the volt seconds lost during each PWM cycle and the direction of the current. In a low-cost implementation, it is impractical to attempt an on-line measurement of the volt-seconds error introduced in each cycle-instead an off-line measurement is favored. On the other hand, the detection of the current direction must be done on line. This becomes increasingly difficult at lower frequencies and around the zero crossings, leading to erroneous compensation and voltage distortion. This paper presents a simple and cost-effective solution to this problem by using an instantaneous back calculation of the phase angle of the current. Given the closed-loop characteristic of the back calculation, the zero crossing of the current is accurately obtained, thus allowing for a better dead-time compensation. Experimental results validating the proposed method are presented.

Induction motors' faults detection and localization using stator current advanced signal processing techniques

Abstract: The knowledge about fault mode behavior of an induction motor drive system is extremely important from the standpoint of improved system design, protection, and fault-tolerant control. This paper addresses the application of motor current spectral analysis for the detection and localization of abnormal electrical and mechanical conditions that indicate, or may lead to, a failure of induction motors. Intensive research effort has been for some time focused on the motor current signature analysis. This technique utilizes the results of spectral analysis of the stator current. Reliable interpretation of the spectra is difficult since distortions of the current waveform caused by the abnormalities in the induction motor are usually minute. This paper takes the initial step to investigate the efficiency of current monitoring for diagnostic purposes. The effects of stator current spectrum are described and the related frequencies determined. In the present investigation, the frequency signature of some asymmetrical motor faults are well identified using advanced signal processing techniques, such as high-resolution spectral analysis. This technique leads to a better interpretation of the motor current spectra. In fact, experimental results clearly illustrate that stator current high-resolution spectral analysis is very sensitive to induction motor faults modifying main spectral components, such as voltage unbalance and single-phasing effects.

Analysis and design of electronic transformers for electric power distribution system

Abstract: A transformer performs many functions such as voltage transformation, isolation and noise decoupling, and it is an indispensable component in electric power distribution systems. However, at low frequencies (60/50 Hz), it is a bulky and expensive component. In this paper, the concept of electronic transformers is further extended and explored for its suitability in power distribution systems. It should be noted that from the input/output behavior, the electronic transformer and the conventional transformer are identical. Possible topologies employing static converters connected on the primary and secondary sides are explored to realize high-frequency operation of the magnetic core. To assist the commutation process, a four-step switching has been developed which does not require the use of snubbers. Reduced size, losses, higher efficiency, and better voltage regulation are some of the advantages of this approach. A 10 kVA design example along with experiment results are discussed. It is shown that a transformer designed with a conventional grain-oriented silicon-steel core can process three times the power at 1 kHz operating frequency as compared to 60 Hz. The proposed method is scalable in voltage/current with the currently available insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) devices connected in series without special snubbers.

Multifrequency averaging of DC/DC converters

Abstract: This paper presents some of the issues involved in applying frequency-selective averaging to modeling the dynamic behavior of pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) DC-DC converters. We use the boost converter as an example to show the details involved in deriving some novel extended averaged models, and we use simulations to highlight the accuracy of the models even when traditional small-ripple conditions are not satisfied.

Adaptive SVM to compensate DC-link voltage ripple for four-switch three-phase voltage-source inverters

Abstract: An adaptive space vector modulation (SVM) approach to compensate the DC-link voltage ripple in a B4 inverter is proposed and examined in detail. The theory, design, and performance of this pulsewidth modulation (PWM) method are presented, and the method effectiveness is demonstrated by extensive simulations and experiments. High-quality output currents are guaranteed by this approach even with substantial DC-voltage variations that might be caused by an unbalanced AC supply system, the diode rectification of the line voltages, and circulation of one output phase current through the split capacitor bank. The application of this approach to induction machine drives is also discussed. It is concluded that the DC-voltage ripple effect on the B4 inverter output can be minimized by an adaptive SVM algorithm with the advantage of improving the response of the DC-link filter and the output quality of the inverter becoming high.

Interleaved PWM with discontinuous space-vector modulation

Abstract: This paper describes the effect of interleaved discontinuous space-vector modulation (SVM) in paralleled three-phase systems using three-phase pulsewidth modulation (PWM) rectifiers as an example. At the discontinuous point of the SVM, the phase shift between the switching signals of the paralleled modules generates a zero-sequence excitation to the system. Because the conventional control in a balanced three-phase system with only dq channels cannot reject this disturbance, a beat-frequency circulating current will develop on the zero axis. Based on this observation, a SVM without using zero vectors is used to eliminate the cause of pure zero-sequence current for parallel operation. Using this SVM, the circulating current is observable in dq channels. It can be suppressed dynamically by strong current loops of power-factor-correction (PFC) circuits. The concept is verified experimentally on a breadboard system.

Interleaved converters operation based on CMC

Abstract: A new family of low-ripple DC-to-DC switching converters based on a parallel connection of N-identical boost converters with current-mode control (CMC) is presented. The CMC strategy ensures that all the converters operate at the same duty cycle, sharing an equal amount of input current and forcing the output voltage to be an integer multiple (N) of the input voltage. As a result, the total input current and output voltage ripples are extremely low. The generation of control signals from inductor currents feedback without using external triangular or sawtooth signals is another characteristic of the new converter family.

Sensorless torque control of salient-pole synchronous motor at zero-speed operation

Abstract: A position and speed sensorless control using the counter electromotive force of a permanent-magnet motor (PM) debases the control performance at a low speed. We propose a controllable system at full speed, including a zero speed using saliency. At low speed, the sensorless control is made by observing a current ripple at a time when alternating voltage has been applied to a salient-pole motor. Also, for discriminating the S and N poles of the magnet, magnetic saturation is used. A device has been applied to the motor rotor to allow the magnetic saturation to come about easily. Furthermore, at a time of high speed, drive at a full-speed range has been accomplished by switching smoothly over to a sensorless driving system making use of counter electromotive force. All algorithms are implemented by software, and this system can operate successively from starting to high-speed operation. The paper discusses the operational principles at a low speed, analysis and experimental results, the control scheme, how to changeover the control mode at high speed, and the experimental results.

An instantaneous reactive volt-ampere compensator and harmonic suppressor system

Abstract: A novel control method for a reactive volt-ampere compensator and harmonic suppressor system is proposed. It operates without sensing the reactive volt-ampere demand and nonlinearities present in the load. The compensation process is instantaneous, which is achieved without employing any complicated and involved control logic. The compensator is operated in cycle-by-cycle reference-current-controlled mode to achieve the instantaneous compensating feature. A mathematical model of the scheme is developed. Detailed analysis and simulation results are presented. A laboratory prototype of the compensator is developed to validate the results.

Adaptive repetitive control of PWM inverters for very low THD AC-voltage regulation with unknown loads

Abstract: An adaptive repetitive control scheme is proposed and applied to the control of a pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) inverter used in a high-performance AC power supply. The proposed control scheme can adaptively eliminate periodic distortions caused by unknown periodic load disturbances in an AC power supply. The proposed adaptive repetitive controller consists of a voltage regulator using state feedback control, a repetitive controller with tuning parameters and an adaptive controller with a recursive least-squares estimator (LSE). This adaptive repetitive controller designed for AC voltage regulation has been realized using a single-chip digital signal processor (DSP) TMS320C14 from Texas Instruments. Experimental verification has been carried out on a 2 kVA PWM inverter. Simulation and experimental results show that the DSP-based adaptive repetitive controller can achieve both good dynamic response and low total harmonic distortion (THD) under large-load disturbances and uncertainties.

Properties and synthesis of passive lossless soft-switching PWM converters

Abstract: This paper derives general topological and electrical properties common to all lossless passive soft-switching power converters with defined characteristics, and proposes a synthesis procedure for the creation of new power converters. The synthesis procedure uses the properties to determine all possible locations for the resonant inductors and capacitors added to achieve soft switching. A set of circuit cells is then used to recover the energy stored in these resonant elements. This paper also explains the operation of the circuit cells and the many new passive lossless soft-switching power converters. A family of soft-switching boost converters is given as an example of the synthesis procedure. Experimental waveforms are also shown for a new soft-switching Cuk converter.

A three-switch high-voltage converter

Abstract: A novel single active switch two-diodes high-voltage converter is presented. This converter can operate into a capacitor-diode voltage multiplier, which offers simpler structure and control, higher efficiency, reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI), and size and weight savings compared with traditional switched-mode regulated voltage multipliers. Two significant advantages are the continuous input current and easy isolation extension. The new converter is experimentally verified. Both the steady-state and dynamic theoretical models are correlated well with the experimental data.

An RC load model of parallel and series-parallel resonant DC-DC converters with capacitive output filter

Abstract: A novel analytical methodology is proposed and applied to investigate the steady-state processes in voltage-fed parallel and series-parallel resonant DC-DC power converters with a capacitive output filter. In this methodology, the rectifier, output capacitor and load are replaced by an equivalent circuit which includes a capacitor and resistor connected in parallel. Excellent agreement was obtained when comparing numerical values calculated by the proposed model to cycle-by-cycle SPICE simulation and to the numerical results of earlier studies.

A line-voltage-sensorless synchronous rectifier

Abstract: A line-voltage-sensorless control for three-phase pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) synchronous rectifiers is presented. A line synchronization and unity power factor control are described. Indirect synchronization without sensing the line voltage allows a standard vector-controlled inverter to be used as a synchronous rectifier without requiring any additional hardware. Furthermore, the line synchronization can be properly operated under line voltage distortion or notching and line frequency variation. All control functions are implemented with a single-chip microcontroller. It is shown via experimental results that the proposed controller gives good performance for the synchronous rectifier.

A control algorithm for three-phase three-wired active power filters under nonideal mains voltages

Abstract: In this paper, a control algorithm for the performance improvement of three-phase three-wired active power filters under nonideal mains voltages is proposed and analyzed. It begins with an analysis of an instantaneous reactive power algorithm that was previously applied to the three-phase active power filter design. In that design, the circuit performance was found unsatisfactory under nonideal test scenarios. Our proposed design was, therefore, motivated in order to solve such problems. In the proposed scheme, not only was the control circuit simplified, but it also served as a potential candidate for the performance improvement of active filter design. The proposed algorithm has been implemented as a prototype. Results of experimental verification under various scenarios are presented.

Improved digital current control methods in switched reluctance motor drives

Abstract: This paper proposes a method to avoid current feedback filters in fast digital-based current loops in switched reluctance drives. Symmetrical pulsewidth modulation (PWM) and synchronized sampling of the phase current allow a noise-free current sampling with no antialiasing filter. This paper also proposes more efficient methods to chop the two transistors in the asymmetric inverter used with switched reluctance drives. A fast field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based test system is used for validation of the new methods. Test results show a significant improvement in dynamic and steady-state current loop control compared with traditional methods. The new chopping method is found to reduce the switching losses and increase the drive efficiency.

A fuzzy-controlled active front-end rectifier with current harmonic filtering characteristics and minimum sensing variables

Abstract: A control strategy which allows conventional voltage-source current-controlled (VSCC) pulsewidth modulation (PWM) rectifiers to work simultaneously as active power filters is presented. The proposed control strategy also allows compensating the system power factor and compensating unbalanced loads. The measurement and/or calculation of the harmonics and reactive power are not required, making the proposed control scheme very simple. The active front-end rectifier acts directly on the mains line currents, forcing them to be sinusoidal and in phase with the mains voltage supply. To improve the dynamic of the system, the amplitude of the current is controlled by a fuzzy system, which adjusts the DC-link voltage of the PWM rectifier. The strategy is based on connecting all the polluting loads between the PWM rectifier and their input current sensors. The main advantages of this approach are the following: (1) there is no need to install a specially dedicated active power filter; (2) it also works simultaneously as a power factor compensator; and (3) no special and complicated calculations are required for harmonic elimination. The viability of the proposed active front-end rectifier is proved by simulation and with experimental results obtained from a 2 kVA PWM prototype.

Coreless printed circuit board (PCB) transformers for power MOSFET/IGBT gate drive circuits

Abstract: Gate drive circuits for modern power electronic switches, such as MOSFET and insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), often require electrical isolation. This paper describes the modeling and experimental results of some coreless printed circuit board (PCB)-based transformers that can be used for MOSFET and IGBT devices at high-frequency (500 kHz to 2 MHz) operation. PCB-based transformers do not require the manual winding procedure and thus simplify the manufacturing process of transformer-isolated gate drive circuits. With no core loss, coreless transformers are found to have favorable characteristics at high-frequency operations. This project demonstrates an important point that the size of the magnetic core can approach zero and become zero when the frequency is sufficiently high.

Self-sustained oscillating resonant converters operating above the resonant frequency

Abstract: This paper presents a new control technique for resonant converters. Unlike conventional variable frequency control which externally imposes the switching frequency, the proposed scheme is based on controlling the displacement angle between one of the resonant circuit variables, typically the current through the resonant inductor, and the voltage at the output of the inverter. As a result, zero-voltage switching (ZVS) can be ensured over a wide operating range. The proposed control technique cam be applied for series, parallel, and series-parallel resonant converters. As an example, the static characteristics and dynamic model of a series-parallel resonant converter with the proposed controller are derived and the system behaviour is investigated in detail. Experimental results are given to demonstrate the operation of resonant converters with the proposed controller and to validate the analysis.

Sliding mode input-output linearization and field orientation for real-time control of induction motors

Abstract: This paper deals with real-time control of an induction motor based on a digital signal processor (DSP) TMS320C31/40-MHz-based system. A sliding mode controller (SMC) is presented and compared with the well-known field orientation and input-output linearization techniques. To estimate the rotor flux, a sliding mode observer is used. Experimental results are given to highlight the performances and disadvantages of these methods with respect to rotor resistance variations.

Design and implementation of an FPGA-based control IC for AC-voltage regulation

Abstract: This paper presents a field-programmable gate army (FPGA)-based control integrated circuit (IC) for controlling the pulsewidth modulation (PWM) inverters used in power conditioning systems for AC-voltage regulation. We also propose a multiple-loop control scheme for this PWM inverter control IC to achieve sinusoidal voltage regulation under large load variations. The control scheme is simple in architecture and thus facilitates realization of the proposed digital controller for the PWM inverter using the FPGA-based circuit design approach. Bit-length effect of the digital PWM inverter controller has also been examined in this paper. The designed PWM inverter control IC has been realized using a single FPGA XC4005 from Xilinx Inc., which can be used as a coprocessor with a general-purpose microprocessor in application of AC-voltage regulation. Owing to the high-speed nature of FPGA, the sampling frequency of the constructed IC can be raised up to the range that cannot be reached using a conventional digital controller based merely on microcontrollers or a digital signal processor (DSP). Experimental results show the designed PWM inverter control IC using the proposed control scheme can achieve good voltage regulation against large load variations.

Optimal operation of coreless PCB transformer-isolated gate drive circuits with wide switching frequency range

Abstract: Gate drive circuits for power MOSFETs and insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) often require electrical isolation. Coreless printed circuit board (PCB) transformers have been shown to have desirable characteristics from a few hundreds of hertz to a few megahertz and can be used for both power and signal transfer at low-power level. At low operating frequency, the magnetizing inductance has such low impedance that the driving power requirement could become excessive. This paper describes the use of a coreless PCB transformer for isolated gate drive circuits over a wide-frequency range. Based on a resonance concept, the optimal operating condition that minimizes the power consumption of the gate drive circuits is developed and verified with experiments. The coreless PCB transformer demonstrated here confirms a fundamental concept that the size and volume of a magnetic core could approach zero and become zero if the operating frequency is sufficiently high. Coreless PCB transformers do not require the manual winding procedure and thus simplify the manufacturing process of transformer-isolated gate drive circuits and low-power converters. Their sizes can be much smaller than those of typical core-based pulse transformers. The electrical isolation of a PCB is much higher than that of an optocoupler.

Predicting the transient effects of PWM voltage waveform on the stator windings of random wound induction motors

Abstract: In this paper, the effect of pulsewidth modulation (PWM) voltage waveform on the voltage distribution among the stator windings of random wound cage induction motors is studied. First, a method of estimating the high-frequency distributed-circuit parameters of the motor using finite-element analysis is described. From these parameters, an equivalent circuit is formed with the windings represented by partially distributed and partially lumped parameters. Using this equivalent circuit, the voltage distribution among the turns and coils of the motor are simulated using the SABER simulation package. Through simulation, the effect of rise time of the PWM wavefront on the voltage distribution is studied, and it is shown that the rise time of the wavefront has influence on the additional voltage stress on the line-end coil. In order to validate the simulation procedure adapted, the simulation results are compared with experimental results.

A general technique for derivation of average current mode control laws for single-phase power-factor-correction circuits without input voltage sensing

Abstract: This paper presents a general technique to derive average current mode control (CMC) laws without input voltage sensing to achieve high power factor for single-phase topologies operating in continuous conduction mode (CCM). The control laws are derived based on the steady-state input-output voltage relationships and the CCM large-signal averaged pulsewidth modulation (PWM)-switch model. Using this methodology, average CMC laws with linear PWM waveforms are discovered for commonly used single-phase power stage topologies such as boost, flyback, SEPIC, and buck/boost. Conventional three-loop-controlled average CMC converters can now be controlled with a two-loop architecture. Hardware results for a boost power factor correction (PFC) and simulation results for flyback, SEPIC, and buck/boost topologies verify operation. The small-signal models of the current loop and voltage loop are derived for the boost topology and are used for control loop design. Input current harmonic distortion measurements demonstrate improved performance compared to the conventional three-loop control technique.

An analysis of three-phase low-harmonic rectifiers applying the third-harmonic current injection

Abstract: An analysis of the three-phase low-harmonic rectifiers applying passive third-harmonic current injection networks is presented in this paper Optimal amplitude of the injected current to minimize the input current total-harmonic distortion (THD) is derived as a function of the injected current phase displacement Power aspects of the third-harmonic current injection are analyzed, and it is shown that improvement in the input current THD could be obtained at the expense of the power taken by the current injection network In the case of optimal current injection, the power taken by the current injection network is shown to be equal to 8571% of the input power, resulting in the input current THD of 5125% Effects of unwanted higher order harmonics in the injected currents are studied for two previously proposed passive current injection networks The current injection networks are compared under the constraint that volt-ampere ratings of applied components are the same Analytically obtained results are experimentally verified

A single-stage power-factor-corrected AC/DC converter

Abstract: This paper presents a single-stage isolated converter topology designed to achieve a regulated DC output voltage having no low-frequency components and a high-input power factor. The topology is derived from the basic two-switch forward converter, but incorporates an additional transformer winding, inductor and a few diodes. The proposed circuit inherently forces the input current to be discontinuous and AC modulated to achieve high-input power factor. The converter output is operated in discontinuous mode to minimize the bulk capacitor voltage variations when the output load is varied. Analysis of the converter is presented, and performance characteristics are given. Design guidelines to select critical components of the circuit are presented. Experimental results on a 150 W 50 kHz universal input (90-265 V) 54.75 V output AC/DC converter are given which confirm the predicted performance of the proposed topology.

Coreless printed circuit board (PCB) transformers with multiple secondary windings for complementary gate drive circuits

Abstract: This paper describes the modeling and implementation of a coreless printed circuit board (PCB)-based transformer with "multiple" secondary outputs. This new PCB transformer has been successfully applied in complementary gate drive circuits in a novel low-profile power converter with high-power density and a converter bridge. The PCB-based transformers do not require the manual winding procedure and thus simplify the manufacturing process of transformer-isolated gate drive circuits. The use of the multiple secondary outputs can in principle simplify the complementary gate drive circuits that are often required in many power electronics applications.

Forward-flyback converter with current-doubler rectifier: analysis, design, and evaluation results

Abstract: Complete design-oriented steady-state analysis of the forward-flyback converter, with the current-doubler rectifier is provided. Advantages and disadvantages of this topology compared to the conventional forward converter are discussed. In particular, the transformer-secondary copper losses are evaluated. In addition, a step-by-step design procedure is given, Finally, experimental evaluation results obtained on a 3.3 V/50 A DC/DC converter prototype for the 40-60 V input-voltage range are presented.